Cancer Cell Biology

The Cancer Cell Biology Program emphasizes cancer-related basic and translational research in the following areas:

Cell cycle regulation and tumor suppression

Cell adhesion

Cell signaling by growth factors and receptors

Chromatin regulation and epigenetics

Angiogenesis and vascular biology

Fundamental research into these five core areas provides critical insights into cancer development and, more importantly, targets and tools for therapeutic intervention. The Program fosters integrated research that spans these inter-related themes, enhancing the capabilities of Program members through the establishment or expansion of appropriate core facilities, and promoting interactions with investigators from other UNC Lineberger basic, clinical and population science programs.

The Program is led by Dr. Yue Xiong and Dr. James Bear. Dr. Xiong is a professor of Biochemistry & Biophysics, a Program member since 1993 and Leader since 2006. He is known for his studies of cell cycle control, tumor suppression and the ubiquitin pathway. Dr. James Bear, professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, has been a Program member since 2003 and Co-leader since 2014. He is known for his studies of cell motility, actin cytoskeleton and tumor invasion and metastasis.